Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Table of Contents

• The Perfect Weeknight Pasta
• Why This Gnocchi Recipe Works
• Building Flavor Layers
• The Magic of Creamy Sauces
• Tips for Perfect Easy Pasta
• Serving and Storing Your Creamy Dish
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

• This creamy butternut squash gnocchi recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal in under 40 minutes.
• The combination of savory Italian sausage, sweet roasted squash, and pillowy gnocchi creates the ultimate comfort food experience.
• You can easily customize this dish with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have available.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this an excellent meal prep option.
• The creamy sauce comes together naturally without needing complicated techniques or special equipment.

The Perfect Weeknight Pasta

Hello from my kitchen to yours! I’m Patricia from Patricia Universe, and I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite creations. When I first developed this recipe, I was looking for something that felt special enough for company but easy enough for a regular Tuesday night. This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage turned out to be exactly that—a dish that looks and tastes impressive while being surprisingly simple to prepare. If you’re searching for satisfying pasta easy recipes that won’t keep you chained to the stove, you’ve found your new go-to.

What makes this one of my favorite pasta easy recipes is how it balances comfort and sophistication. The tender gnocchi absorbs the rich, creamy sauce beautifully, while the Italian sausage adds that hearty, savory depth we all crave in comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds, and the best part? You’ll have minimal cleanup afterward since most of the cooking happens in one skillet. On my website, Patricia Universe, I specialize in recipes that bridge the gap between everyday cooking and something truly memorable, and this dish perfectly embodies that philosophy.

Why This Gnocchi Recipe Works

The beauty of this dish lies in its harmonious flavor profile. Sweet butternut squash naturally complements the savory Italian sausage, creating a balance that feels both comforting and refined. When you’re preparing simple pasta dishes, achieving this kind of complexity can seem challenging, but the method here is wonderfully straightforward. By cooking the squash right in the same pan as the sausage, you capture all those delicious browned bits (what chefs call “fond”) that form the foundation of incredible flavor.

Another reason this has become a staple in my recipe collection is its versatility. Not a fan of sausage? Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully. Need a vegetarian option? Skip the meat altogether and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. The creamy sauce binds everything together so perfectly that you can adapt this base recipe to suit nearly any dietary preference or ingredient you have on hand. That adaptability is what makes truly great quick pasta meals—they work with you, not against you.

Building Flavor Layers

Great cooking is all about building flavors in stages, and this recipe demonstrates that principle beautifully. We start by browning the sausage properly—not just cooking it through, but allowing it to develop those delicious caramelized edges that add so much depth. Then we use the rendered fat (along with a touch of olive oil) to roast the butternut squash and onions until they begin to soften and sweeten. This step is crucial for developing the natural sugars in the vegetables.

The garlic, sage, and thyme join the party next, adding aromatic complexity without overwhelming the dish. Fresh herbs make a significant difference here—their bright, earthy notes cut through the richness of the cream and cheese. Finally, the chicken broth not only helps cook the squash to perfect tenderness but also creates the base for our luxurious sauce. When you’re preparing effortless pasta dinners, these layered techniques ensure every bite is packed with flavor, even though the actual hands-on time remains minimal.

The Magic of Creamy Sauces

There’s something universally comforting about a creamy pasta sauce, and this version achieves that luxurious texture without requiring complicated techniques. The secret lies in partially mashing the cooked butternut squash right in the pan. This natural thickener creates a velvety base that clings to every piece of gnocchi and sausage, eliminating the need for excessive amounts of cream or flour. It’s a healthier approach that doesn’t sacrifice any of that indulgent feel we love in comfort food.

The Parmesan cheese adds that essential salty, umami punch while helping the sauce emulsify beautifully. A whisper of nutmeg—just a quarter teaspoon—provides that mysterious background note that makes people wonder, “What’s in this that makes it taste so good?” When you’re creating satisfying dinner recipes, these small touches make all the difference between something good and something truly memorable. The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours.

Tips for Perfect Easy Pasta

After testing this recipe numerous times in my own kitchen, I’ve discovered a few tricks that ensure perfect results every time. First, don’t skip the step of browning the sausage well—those crispy bits add incredible flavor to the entire dish. Second, when cubing the butternut squash, aim for uniform pieces so they cook evenly. If you’re short on time, many grocery stores now sell pre-cut butternut squash, which works perfectly in this recipe.

For the gnocchi itself, the package directions are usually reliable, but do taste test a minute before the suggested cooking time is up. Fresh gnocchi cooks much faster than shelf-stable versions, so adjust accordingly. When combining everything at the end, be gentle with the gnocchi—they’re delicate little pillows that can break apart if stirred too vigorously. A folding motion works best to coat them evenly in that glorious creamy sauce without damaging their texture.

Serving and Storing Your Creamy Dish

This dish shines brightest when served immediately, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and some fresh parsley for color and freshness. I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—the acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. A crusty baguette is also welcome for sopping up any remaining sauce on the plate (and trust me, you’ll want to get every last drop).

If you happen to have leftovers, they store remarkably well. The sauce thickens as it cools, so when reheating, you may want to add a splash of broth or cream to return it to the right consistency. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeks. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal ready in minutes. It’s this combination of immediate satisfaction and practical leftovers that makes this one of my most recommended pasta easy recipes on Patricia Universe.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is the perfect easy dinner recipe for a cozy weeknight meal. With flavorful Italian sausage and pillowy gnocchi in a rich butternut squash cream sauce, it’s a comforting pasta dish that comes together quickly. Ideal for busy families or anyone craving a satisfying Italian-inspired meal.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time40 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: butternut squash gnocchi, comfort food, creamy pasta, easy dinner, family dinner, Italian sausage recipe, weeknight meal

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Patricia

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

For the Sausage and Vegetables

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cream Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish

• Additional Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prep the Vegetables

1. Peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces.
2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
3. Chop the fresh sage and thyme.

Cook the Sausage and Vegetables

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside, leaving drippings in the pan.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet if needed, then add cubed butternut squash and onion. Cook for 8-10 minutes until squash begins to soften.
4. Add garlic, sage, and thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Prepare the Gnocchi

1. While vegetables cook, bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2. Cook gnocchi according to package directions (usually 2-3 minutes until they float).
3. Drain gnocchi and set aside.

Make the Cream Sauce

1. Add chicken broth to the skillet with vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until squash is tender.
2. Use a potato masher or fork to lightly mash some of the squash pieces to thicken the sauce.
3. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

1. Return cooked sausage to the skillet.
2. Add cooked gnocchi and gently stir to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
3. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. You can use sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.